The Opals and Akatsuki Five set to clash in an exciting mini-series

SYDNEY (Australia) - Australia are set to face Olympic silver medalists Japan three times in Sydney next month as part of preparaton for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022.

The mini-series has all the hallmarks of being an absolute classic, not least because both teams met in the Semi-Finals of the FIBA Women's AsiaCup last year, serving up a treat for fans as Japan sneaked the game 67-65 in Amman.

With the Akatsuki Five likely to be one of the frontrunners for a medal in September, the series is a coup for Basketball Australia and will give the Opals a tremendous opportunity to test themselves.

“COVID certainly threw up challenges with our inability to compete internationally and gain vital match practice. Having games against a quality opponent such as Japan in Sydney is invaluable for our squad and it will give the fans a taste of what’s to come in September," enthused Opals' head coach, Sandy Brondello.

“We expect Japan to be one of the favourites heading into the World Cup and to have the opportunity to test our squad against them next month is a great result,” she added.

Meanwhile Japan playcaller, Toru Onzuka also can't wait for the games and commented: “It is our great pleasure and honor to play in Australia”. Basketball Australia and Japan Basketball Association have been working in partnership to develop basketball in both countries through exchanges of national teams and staff members.

"We would like to thank Basketball Australia for inviting Japan Women’s National Team and we truly hope we can empower not only the fans in Japan but also the fans in Australia."

Two games will be played at Sydney Olympic Park at the Quaycentre, the third game will be hosted regionally at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre. The series is already creating excitement in the Sydney Arena, with Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres delighted with the news.

"Opals supporters will have the opportunity to see their basketball idols take on Japan in Sydney and Newcastle," he said.

“The New South Wales (NSW) Government is proud to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup later in the year, and these matches will give the Opals the chance to play together against a quality Japanese team in preparation for that.

"These events will provide a significant boost to the visitor economy. All Opals fans, whether from NSW or interstate, should consider supporting our incredible team.

"The FIBA World Cup is a key deliverable of the NSW Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative, which supports our ambition for Sydney and NSW to be the events capitals of the Asia Pacific," he concluded.

Game Schedule
Friday May  27 at Quaycentre - 7.30pm tip-off (local time)
Sunday May 29 at Quaycentre - 3.00pm tip-off (local time)
Tuesday May 31 at Newcastle Entertainment Centre -  7.30pm tip-off (local time)

Tickets for the series will go on sale Tuesday April 19 at Ticketek.

FIBA